2002 HONDA PASSPORT engine

215Care and Maintenance
Never run the engine with the air
cleaner filter removed. If the
engine should backfire, it could
possibly cause an engine
compartment fire.
Be sure to reinstall the air cleaner
filter and assembly correctly. If it
is installed incorrectly, engine
damage could result.
See the Maintenance Schedule to
find out how often the lubricant
level should be checked.
Check that the fluid level reaches
the plug hole by removing the
filler plug on the transmission and
transfer case. If the fluid level is
low, refill the case up to the filler
plug hole.
Use a high-quality engine oil
labeled SG or SF that is of the
correct viscosity for existing
ambient temperatures as follows.
Ambient
TemperatureViscosity
Lubricant
to Be Used
Areas where
ambient
temperatures of
90
F (32
C) and
higher are regularly
encountered.
SAE 15W-40 20W-40
20W-50
Other areasSAE 5W-30
(2WD)
OIL FILL PLUG
DRAIN PLUG
(4WD)
OIL FILL PLUG
DRAIN PLUG
RIGHT SIDE
LEFT SIDE
Manual Transmission Fluid

216Care and Maintenance
Proper Fluid
Kind of Fluid
TransmissionDEXRON III
Transfer
(4WD)SAE 5W-30
(Engine oil)
Have the fluid level in the
automatic transmission checked
during the regularly scheduled
maintenance at your Honda
dealer.
If you suspect an automatic
transmission fluid leak, take the
vehicle to your Honda dealer for
inspection and repair.
Transmission damage could result
if you let the fluid level get too
low.
Drain Intervals
The automatic transmission drain
interval is not time or mileage
dependent. It will vary according
to your driving habits and vehicle
usage.
Your dealer will check the
transmission fluid’s condition and
life expectancy during regularly
scheduled maintenance, and
inform you at what mileage it
should be changed. See the Maintenance Schedule
List to determine how often the
lubricant should be changed. Add
lubricant, if needed, by filling to
the level of the filler plug hole.
Use
GL-5 gear lubricant of the
proper viscosity as shown in the
chart.
If your vehicle is equipped with
the optional limited slip
differential (on the rear axle), use
GL-5 Limited Slip Differential
Gear Lubricant together with
Limited Slip Differential Gear
Lubricant Additive (Part No.
8-01052-358-0) or equivalent.
Use the correct viscosity for the
existing ambient temperatures.
Automatic Transmission FluidFront (4WD)
and Rear Axles

217Care and Maintenance
Recommended Lubricant
Ambient
TemperatureLubricant Viscosity to Be Used
Rear
AxleFront Axle
Below 50
F(10
C)
SAE 80
or SAE80W-90
SAE
75W-90
synthetic
0
F to 90h
F(–18
C to
32
C)
SAE 90
or SAE
80W-90
SAE
75W-90
synthetic
Above 50
F(10
C)
consistentlySAE
140SAE
80W-90
or SAE
80W
-140
The engine cooling system is
designed to maintain the engine at
the proper operating temperatures.
The cooling system was filled at
the factory with a quality engine
coolant. The engine cooling system
is designed to use coolant (a
mixture of water and ethylene
glycol antifreeze) rather than plain
water. The engine coolant solution
should be used year-round. It has
many advantages such as:
•provides freezing protection as
low as –33
F (–36
C)
• provides boiling protection up
to 262
F (128
C)
•protects against rust and
corrosion in the cooling system
• maintains the proper engine
temperature for efficient
operation and emission control
•allows proper operation of the
engine coolant temperature gauge See the Maintenance Schedule in
this section to find out when the
engine coolant must be replaced.
Checking the Coolant Level
Check the engine coolant level at
the interval shown in the
Maintenance Schedule unless there
is evidence of leaking or
overheating. The engine coolant
level should be between the
maximum and the minimum level
marks on the radiator reserve tank.
Engine Cooling System

218Care and Maintenance
You usually do not need to remove
the radiator cap to check the engine
coolant level.
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray
out, seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
Adding Engine Coolant
To add engine coolant, remove the
cap on the radiator reserve tank
and fill the tank up to the
maximum level mark. Add a
50/50 mixture of water and a good
quality ethylene glycol antifreeze.
If you need to add engine coolant
frequently, see your Honda dealer
for a cooling system check.
If the proper quality antifreeze
is used, there is no need to add
extra inhibitors or additives. They
may be harmful to the proper
operation of the system.
Cooling System Service
The cooling system should be
serviced at the intervals specified
in the Maintenance Schedule as
follows:
•Wash the radiator cap and filler
neck with clean water.
•Check the engine coolant level
in the radiator and have it tested
for freeze protection. Add
ethylene glycol antifreeze, if
needed, to maintain freeze
protection at
–33
F ( –36
C).
•Have the cooling system and
radiator cap tested for a
pressure capacity of 15 psi (105
kPa). If a replacement cap is
needed, use a cap specified for
your model.
•Tighten all radiator and heater
hose clamps and inspect all
hoses. Replace the hoses if they
are swollen, “checked, ” or
otherwise worn. Carefully
tighten the hose clamps at the
radiator. Overtightening could
bend or collapse the radiator
fittings.
•Clean the front of the radiator
core and air conditioning
condenser.
It is the owner ’s responsibility to:
•Maintain the cooling system
freeze protection at –33
F

219Care and Maintenance
(–36

C) to ensure protection
against corrosion and loss of
engine coolant from boiling.
This should be done even if
freezing temperatures are not
expected.
•Add ethylene glycol-based
antifreeze when antifreeze has
to be added because of engine
coolant loss or if more
protection against freezing at
temperatures lower than –33
F
(–36
C) is needed. Do not use
an alcohol-based or
methanol-based antifreeze, or
plain water. They boil at a
lower point, and do not provide
corrosion protection.
Thermostat
The engine coolant temperature is
controlled by a thermostat, which
stops engine coolant flow through
the radiator until a preset
temperature is reached. This
thermostat is installed in the
engine coolant inlet on the front
of the engine block. The same
thermostat is used in both winter
and summer.Brake Master Cylinder
Check the master cylinder fluid
level in the reservoir every time
you check the engine oil level.
The level should be between the
MAX and ADD level line. If the
level is lower than the
ADD level
line, fill to the
MAX level line
with
DOT-3 or DOT-4 fluid.
Other Required
Maintenance

221Care and Maintenance
Hood Latch and Hinges
Lubricate the hood latch assembly
and hood hinge assembly as
follows:
1. Wipe off any accumulation ofdirt or contamination on the
latch parts.
2. Apply multipurpose-type grease (
NLGI No. 1 or 2) to
the hood latch pin cam.
3. Apply light engine oil to all pivot points in the release
mechanism.
4. Lubricate hood hinges with multipurpose-type grease
(
NLGI No. 1 or 2).
5. Check the hood hinges and latch mechanism to assure
they are working correctly.
Air Conditioning
Periodically have your Honda
dealer check your air conditioning
system to be sure there has been
no loss in cooling output. See
your Honda dealer if you suspect
that the system is not performing
as it should.
Body Lubrication
Normal use of a vehicle causes
metal-to-metal movement at certain
points in the body. Noise, wear and
improper operation at these points
will result when a protective film
of lubricant is not provided.
For exposed surfaces such as door
checks, door lock bolts, lock
striker plates, etc., apply a thin
film of light engine oil.
Any lubricant should be used
sparingly. After application, all excess lubricant should be
carefully wiped off.
The seat adjusters and seat track
should be lubricated with water-
resistant
EP chassis lubricant.
There are other points on the
vehicle body which may
occasionally require lubrication.
Window regulators and controls
are confined in the space between
the upholstery and the outside
door panel. Easy access to the
working parts may be made by
removing the trim. Door
weatherstrips and rubber hood
bumpers should be lightly coated
with a rubber lubricant.

222Care and Maintenance
Front (4WD Only) and Rear
Propeller Shaft
Lubricate the sliding yoke with
EP chassis grease. Lubricate
universal joints with grease
containing MoS
2 (molybdenum
disulfide-type grease) at the
intervals shown in the
Maintenance Schedule. Also
check the propeller shaft
flange-to-pinion bolts for proper
torque of 64 N⋅ m (46.3 lb-ft).
Most lubrication recommendations
and procedures for four-wheel drive-
equipped vehicles are the same
for the corresponding components
in conventional drive vehicles.
Exhaust System
Check the complete exhaust
system and nearby body areas for
damaged, missing, or
mispositioned parts, open seams, holes, loose connections, or other
deterioration that could allow
exhaust fumes to seep into the
passenger compartment or cause
heat build-up in the floor pan. Any
necessary corrections should be
made immediately. For continued
safety, exhaust system pipes and
resonators rearward of the muffler
must be replaced whenever a new
muffler is installed.
Fuel Line and Fuel Tank/Cap
Inspect the fuel tank, cap and lines
for damage that could cause
leakage. Inspect the fuel cap and
gasket for correct sealing ability
and indications of physical
damage. Replace any damaged or
malfunctioning parts.
Drive Belt
Check the belt driving the
alternator, power steering pump,
and air conditioning compressor.
Look for cracks, fraying, and
wear. Replace as necessary.
Timing Belt
The timing belt should normally
be replaced at the intervals shown
in the Maintenance Schedule.
Valve Clearance
Incorrect valve clearance will
result in increased engine noise
and lower engine output, thereby
adversely affecting engine
performance.

223Care and Maintenance
Spark Plugs
Replace the spark plugs with the
type specified in the “Technical
Data” section.
Clutch
Check the clutch play at the pedal.
Lubricate the clutch pedal bushing
and clevis pin, at the intervals
shown in the Maintenance
Schedule, with water-resistant
chassis lubricant. If you hear a
squeaking noise coming from the
area of the bushing or clevis pin at
the clutch pedal arm when the
clutch pedal is depressed,
lubricate it with water-resistant
EP
chassis grease.
Check the fluid level in the clutch
reservoir at the interval shown in
the Maintenance Schedule. If the
fluid is low in the reservoir, it should be filled to the maximum
level line with
DOT-3 or DOT-4
fluid.
Fluid or Lubricant Levels
Check the fluid or lubricant level
in the brake master cylinder,
clutch master cylinder, power
steering reservoir, rear axle,
engine and transmission,
windshield washer reservoir and
engine coolant at specified
intervals.
Power Steering
Check the fluid level in the power
steering fluid reservoir as
recommended in the Maintenance
Schedule. The fluid level should
be between the “
MIN” and
“
MAX” marks on the reservoir.
Use only automatic transmission
fluid labeled
DEXRON III.